As a student prepping for NCLEX, you will want to know about the normal lab values of a CBC (blood count), BMP/CMP (metabolic panel), lipid panel, coagulation levels, arterial blood gases, and drug levels.
Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare personnel order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do. For example, technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated. Medical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.
Medical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor's degree. Lab technicians, on the other hand, only need an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate. A bachelor's degree program in medical laboratory technology, also known as a medical laboratory scientist degree, includes courses in biochemistry, biology, microbiology, math, and statistics.
Coursework emphasizes laboratory skills, including safety procedures and lab management, while clinical instruction includes hands-on training in a hospital. After gaining work experience, or subject-specific certification, technologists and technicians may specialize in one of many areas of laboratory science, such as immunology, histotechnology, or clinical chemistry. Some colleges have bachelor's degree programs for medical laboratory technicians to become technologists (often referred to as MLT to MLS programs).
Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed. Requirements vary by state and specialty. For specific requirements, contact state departments of health, state boards of occupational licensing, or visit The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Although certification is not required to enter the occupation in all cases, employers typically prefer to hire certified technologists and technicians. The aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Prenatal testing for various types of genetic conditions also is increasingly common. Medical laboratory technologists will be in demand to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians can obtain a general certification as a medical laboratory technologist or technician, respectively, or a certification in a specialty, such as cytotechnology or medical biology. Most credentialing institutions require that technologists complete an accredited education program in order to qualify to sit for an exam. For more credentialing information, visit the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and American Medical Technologists.
Ask yourself if you can see yourself being a lab technician, having daily contact with patients who may be elderly, ill, or recovering from surgery. Other patients may have physical or emotional disabilities, which can be challenging. While classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.
This section offers practice tests in several subject areas. Each of the following multiple-choice tests has 10 questions to work on. No sign-up required, just straight to the test.
-Fluid and electrolyte normal values range balance
-Signs and symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalances
-Causes of fluid and electrolyte imbalances
-Fluid and electrolytes mnemonics (memorization tricks)
-Includes all 6 fluid and electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, sodium, and chloride)
There are 8 total blood types from four blood groups (A, B, AB, O). In nursing we transfuse blood, but before we do this we have to collect blood from the patient who will be receiving the blood transfusion. The patient's blood will be typed and crossmatched with a donor. The donor’s blood must be compatible with our patient to prevent a transfusion reaction.
NCLEX questions will test your knowledge about Insulin Lispro (Humalog) and wants to know when the patient is at most risk for hypoglycemia based on the time that he or she was administered medication.
Metabolic panel blood test explained for nurses! This review will discuss the basic metabolic panel (BMP) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMPT) normal ranges, causes of abnormal results, and your role as a nurse. A metabolic panel blood test assesses: electrolytes, renal function, and liver function. Note: The BMP and CMP both assess the electrolytes and renal function, BUT the CMP also checks the liver function.
This website is not affiliated with any educational organization, and all trademarks are the exclusive property of the respective owners. Kooksta.com is the work of a group of students in Bangkok, and all copyrighted works on this website are offered for educational purposes only, governed by the four-factor rule, section 107 of the US Copyright Act, 1976.